Aztecs for life

Meet the Aztecs: Q&A with Kwayde Miller

/ Hunter O. Hewitt / 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations

The tenth in a daily series of Q&A’s with the 2012 signing class.

Kwayde Miller is a 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive lineman from Ramona, Calif. He was a standout lineman at Ramona High School, and was named to the 2011 Cal-Hi Sports all-state football team for his efforts during his senior season. Miller player tight end early on in his career, but eventually moved to offensive line before his junior year. He also played basketball and was on the track and field team.

Miller was heavily recruited out of high school, and chose San Diego State over other big programs around the country. He has a big frame and has the potential to be a solid offensive tackle for the Aztecs. His background as a tight end and experience playing basketball gives him unique athleticism to go along with his size. He will wear No. 75 for SDSU.

GoAztecs.com player profile
Rivals recruiting page

Q: Why did you choose SDSU?
A: It’s close to home so I can have my family support. When I came on campus I got the vibe that this is it and this is place I want to be.

Q: How were the summer workouts for you?
A: They were tough but they went well.

Q: Have you picked your major yet?
A: I haven’t picked a major yet but I’m leaning towards criminal justice. I might want to do something involved with the CIA or FBI.

Q: What are you most excited for leading up to your first semester at San Diego State?
A: I’m excited for the campus life and first football game.

Q: What do you like to do during your spare time?
A: I like to hang out with friends, go to the beach and play video games.

Q: Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
A: I don’t really have a favorite professional sports team. I just like to follow players.

Q: Is there any athlete that you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: I like Jake Long. I like to follow the Dolphins a little bit so I can watch him play.

Q: If you weren’t a football player, what sport would you be playing?
A: I would probably be playing basketball. I played all four years in high school but once I started gaining weight I focused more on football.

Q: What is your most memorable sports moment from high school?
A: I would say scoring three touchdowns my freshman year. It was my first time playing football and I was playing tight end.

Q: What was it like growing up in Ramona?
A: There was small-town environment and I liked that. We also had a great environment for football games on Friday nights. The whole town would come out to support the football team.

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS

Meet the Aztecs: Q&A with Jeff Overbaugh

/ Hunter O. Hewitt / Leave a comment

Photo Credit: Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations

The ninth in a daily series of Q&A’s with the 2012 signing class.

Jeff Overbaugh is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound long snapper from Anchorage, Alaska. He played at Service High School, where his team had a record of 10-0-1 his senior season. Along with playing long snapper, Overbaugh also saw time at offensive tackle and defensive end during his high school career. He was also a two-time team captain.

Overbaugh is a student of Chris Rubio, a long snapping guru who has coached hundreds of Division 1 long snappers over the past decade. Rubio also coached former San Diego State long snappers Tyler Schmitt and Aaron Brewer. Like Schmitt and Brewer, Overbaugh may be counted on immediately to take over snapping duties for the Aztecs.

GoAztecs.com player profile
Rivals recruiting page

Q: Why did you choose SDSU?
A: Isn’t it obvious? It’s because of the weather.

Q: How were the summer workouts for you?
A: They were great. I found pleasure in the struggle. That’s a Coach Hall quote right there.

Q: Have you picked your major yet?
A: I am going to major in kinesiology. I picked that because it’s a pretty common degree for a coach, and that might be what I want to do after football.

Q: What are you most excited for leading up to your first semester at San Diego State?
A: I’m excited to help San Diego State become a better football team.

Q: What do you like to do during your spare time?
A: I like to long snap. That’s all I do 24/7.

Q: Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
A: I like the Baltimore Ravens and the Boston Bruins. I have some family ties back east and I really like Ray Lewis.

Q: Is there any athlete that you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: I try to model my game after Christian Yount, the long snapper for the Cleveland Browns. I also like Zdeno Chara, a defenseman for the Boston Bruins.

Q: If you weren’t a football player, what sport would you be playing?
A: It would have to be hockey. I played until sophomore year of high school.

Q: What was it like growing up in Alaska?
A: Long, dark, winter nights. No, just kidding, it was great. I did a lot of outdoor stuff and there was good football. I grew up in a close-knit community.

Q: Have you been able to get in contact with former long snapper Aaron Brewer?
A: I haven’t talked to him yet but I just added him on Facebook. We were both coached by long snapping coach Chris Rubio. Rubio has connections with SDSU because of Aaron and also because he played with Coach White at UCLA. 

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS

Meet the Aztecs: Q&A with Malcolm Jackson

/ Hunter O. Hewitt / 1 Comment

Photo Credit: Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations

The eighth in a daily series of Q&A’s with the 2012 signing class.

Malcolm Jackson is a 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive lineman from Spring Valley, Calif. A local product, Jackson played on both sides at nearby Mount Miguel High School. San Diego State hopes Jackson and other local commits will help with the process of building a “recruiting fence” around San Diego. Ideally, local talent will want to follow Jackson’s footsteps and stay close to home by attending SDSU.

A solid athlete, Jackson has the versatility to play both defensive end and defensive tackle. He will likely work both positions early on in training camp until the coaches decide where he fits best. He will wear No. 93 for the Aztecs.

GoAztecs.com player profile
Rivals recruiting page

 

Q: Why did you choose SDSU?
A: It’s close to home and it’s an upcoming program. We are moving to the Big East and I want to be a part of the tradition here. 

Q: How were the summer workouts for you?
A: At first they were really difficult, but I’m starting to get used to it all.

Q: Have you picked your major yet?
A: I’m majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.

Q: What are you most excited for leading up to your first semester at San Diego State?
A: I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a chance to play in a game.

Q: What do you like to do during your spare time?
A: I like long walks on the beach.

Q: Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
A: I like the Miami Dolphins. They’re the best team in the NFL. Ever since I was six years old I have liked them. I was playing Madden and I liked using Ricky Williams so I always played with them.

Q: Is there any athlete that you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: At first it was Joey Porter until he retired. Now I like Cameron Wake.

Q: If you weren’t a football player, what sport would you be playing?
A: Is chess considered a sport? I think I would be a chess player.

Q: Since you are from San Diego, what is your favorite thing about the city?
A: I like going to restaurants and movies.

Q: What is your most memorable sports moment from high school?
A: In my game against Point Loma I got a fumble recovery and scrambled for 36 yards and led to a touchdown that play.

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS